I’m Sarah Rees — CBT, EMDR, and Compassion Focused Therapist, supervisor, author of A Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice, and creator of the Getting Started in Private Practice course.

Remember the days of the staff room—a place to share ideas, ask questions, collaborate, and get support from colleagues? Therapist's Corner is designed to bring that same sense of connection to your business life, along with a weekly reminder to work on your business, not just in it so that you can achieve a fully booked caseload with self-funding clients. It’s where therapists in private practice gather to learn, grow, and build sustainable, profitable and ethical private practices. It’s the next step after reading the book or taking the course.

We want this community to be to your business what supervision is to your clinical world—a place of support, reflection, and guidance.

Being a Free member is perfect for the private therapy practice curious, early in your business journey, and figuring out if it is right for you.

When you are ready, the next step is the roadmap, the perfect done-for-you solution

The Course

Then continue in our community, surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about doing good work—and doing it well. You’re in the company of therapists who are not only clinically skilled but also committed to building rewarding practices that reflect their values and gives them the perfect work-life balance without burnout.

To make it easier for you, I have organised everything under headings. Please take a look here…..

There’s also an active chat function inside Therapist’s Corner, where you can ask questions at any time—I’ll personally respond, and you’ll often hear from other therapists too. It’s a space for honest conversations, gentle accountability, and shared wisdom.

🔁 How It All Fits Together: Your Private Practice Growth Path

📘 1. The Book: The Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice

Goal: Lay the foundation for a sustainable, values-based business.

Includes:

• Practical guidance on how to set up and run your private practice

• Reflections on identity, ethics, finances, marketing, and systems

• Built around values-led decision-making

💡 Outcome: ➡️ A strong grounding in the “why” and “how” of private practice
➡️ Clarity on your direction before you take action
➡️ A mindset rooted in sustainability and integrity

🎓 2. The Course: Getting Started in Private Practice

Goal: Go from the first step to fully booked with a consistent income in 5 weeks. Focusing on attracting self-funding clients

Includes:

• A structured, step-by-step roadmap to building your practice

• Free done-for-you policies, templates and guides

• Self-study modules with access to a live round once a year in September

• 6 months of Therapist’s Corner membership

• Optional VIP coaching upgrade

💡 Outcome: ➡️ A fully booked caseload of self-funding clients
➡️ Income stability (5K/month)
➡️ Confidence in your marketing, pricing and systems

🌱 3. Paid Substack Membership (£15/month): Maintain & Grow

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Goal: Long-term business support to sustain momentum to build consistent 5k months with self-funding clients and perfect for when you want to grow and diversify your practice.

Why Upgrade?

If you become a paid subscriber,

• Access to attend the live Q&A calls and recordings

• Support in being fully booked in private practice

• What’s new and happening in private practice and the world of business

• The full resource archive

• Templates, workflows and downloads

• The systems and strategies behind consistent £ 5 K+ months.

• The community calendar — to stay connected and never miss a session or expert guest

• An evolving library of content designed to help you grow your private practice with clarity and confidence

Free is a great place to start. Paid is where the growth happens.

Ready to Get Started?

Wherever you're stepping in—whether you're reading the book, joining a live Q&A, or diving into the full course—you’re so welcome here.

This is a space where your work, your business, and your wellbeing all matter. I’m so glad to have you here, and I can’t wait to get to know you better.

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Every therapist needs clinical supervision! It’s a chance to reflect on your caseload and clinical practice with a trusted peer or colleague. Share your triumphs and struggles, and find ways to improve. You can share what’s going well or not so well and identify where improvements can be made.

Regular clinical supervision is crucial to ensuring safe and effective practice and supports ongoing professional development. It’s a chance to explore new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to therapy, and it should leave you feeling energised and confident in your work.

Why Do I Need a Supervision Agreement?

A Clinical Supervision Agreement provides a solid foundation from which the supervision relationship can be organised and allowed to flourish. If you are offering or receiving clinical supervision, it’s essential to have an adequate agreement in place. As well as ensuring the purpose of supervision is clear, there are practicalities to consider, especially in relation to GDPR and how data is collected, stored and disposed of.

Regular clinical supervision offers mental health professionals numerous benefits. It enhances their clinical skills, fosters personal and professional growth, and aids in ethical decision-making. Additionally, clinical supervision provides emotional support, boosts therapists' confidence, and facilitates comprehensive case conceptualisation. It promotes cultural competence, prevents countertransference issues, and supports ongoing learning and risk management. Regular clinical supervision ensures therapists are well-equipped to provide effective and ethical therapy, resulting in positive outcomes for their clients.

A Clinical Supervision Agreement is the cornerstone of a productive supervision relationship. Whether you are a supervisor or a supervisee, it’s essential to have a detailed agreement in place to ensure that the supervision process runs smoothly and effectively.

Not only will this ensure that the purpose of supervision is clear and understood by all parties, but it will also address practical considerations like GDPR compliance and the handling of personal data. Don’t leave anything to chance – ensure you have a solid agreement to support your supervision journey.

If you are a clinical supervisor, we have a GDPR-compliant supervision agreement that you can purchase and use as a starting point. Simply modify it to fit your specific needs and requirements. No more worrying about compliance – this agreement has got you covered!

Supervision Agreement

Paid subscribers - We also discuss the benefits of delivering clinical supervision in private practice. If you are you ready to create your own Clinical Supervision Agreement? Here’s everything you need to consider to create your own GDPR-compliant Supervision Agreement.

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I’ve recently been busy updating the getting started in private practice checklist, which everyone gets in their welcome email; just in case you missed it, you can also download it below or let me know in the comments and if you didn’t receive yours

Embarking on the journey to private practice can seem like navigating through unfamiliar territory. A flood of tasks, decisions, and responsibilities can be overwhelming, often leading to the daunting question, "Where do I start?" In response to this uncertainty, we've developed the comprehensive 'Getting Started in Private Practice Checklist' to light your path.

While therapists are undoubtedly proficient in their clinical skills, the business aspects of private practice may present a steep learning curve. Be it navigating regulatory demands, setting up an optimal workspace, or handling financial matters, the myriad tasks can be daunting. However, the journey can be considerably less intimidating with the right guidance.

This is where our checklist comes into play. It's a structured, easy-to-follow roadmap designed to transform the challenging journey into a smoother, more manageable process.

What’s in the Checklist?

1. Essential Starting Points: The checklist guides you through the initial stages, covering aspects like defining your therapeutic offerings, understanding your target demographic, and registering your practice.

2. Guidance: We help you understand the basic requirements for setting up your private practice,

3. Workspace Setup: Guidance on thinking about the equipment you need. From setting up a conducive therapy environment, whether physical or virtual, tailored to your and your clients' needs.

4. Money: Tips on what you need to consider in the early days of setting up.

5. Caseload: What to consider to begin bringing in referrals to your business.

6. Accountability: A checklist to write out your next steps and a 7-day challenge worksheet to get your motivation going

When you Join us in Therapists Corner you will receive a welcome email and a comprehensive 'Getting Started in Private Practice Checklist' to assist you on your journey into private practice, equipping you with essential knowledge, tasks and strategies to kickstart your journey confidently. This checklist is more than a list of tasks – it's your ally, your guide, and your confidence booster as you embark on this fulfilling journey, don’t miss a thing and download the checklist today

Starting a private practice can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour, and we're here to help you navigate it and step into the world of private practice with clarity and confidence.

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I’ve been in private practice for over ten years now. Throughout that time, I’ve been a sole trader. I initially chose this option because it was an easy, stress-free way to establish my business. In 2022, I became a limited company. Making the switch felt like a scary step, but with support from my trusted accountant and having a clear business plan in place guiding the direction of my business, I decided to take the plunge. I thought I’d share my reasoning with you, as I know it can be confusing. So, sole trader or limited company – which option is right for you?

Sole Trader or Limited Company - What’s the Difference?

Choosing the appropriate business structure is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on your venture's success and your personal liabilities as a business owner. Two common options often considered are sole trader and limited company. Each structure comes with its own set of characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that warrant careful consideration.

Starting as a sole trader, also known as a sole proprietorship, offers a straightforward and easy way to set up a business. As the sole proprietor, you have full control over the business, enabling quick decision-making and flexibility in managing day-to-day operations. A significant advantage of being a sole trader is that you get to keep all the profits generated by the business after taxes have been deducted. However, the flip side is that you are personally liable for all losses and debts incurred by the business. In the event of financial difficulties or legal issues, your personal assets may be at risk.

On the other hand, forming a limited company creates a distinct legal entity separate from its owners. The company's ownership is divided into shares, which allows for multiple shareholders. This division of ownership makes it easier for a limited company to attract investment and raise capital. One of the key benefits of having limited liability status is that the owners' liability is limited to the amount they have invested in the company. This means that, in most cases, the personal assets of shareholders are safeguarded in the event of business debts or legal claims, providing an added layer of protection.

However, operating as a limited company does come with additional responsibilities and formalities. The company is required to prepare and submit annual financial accounts and reports to Companies House, the UK's registrar of companies. There is a need to adhere to company law, maintain statutory registers, and ensure compliance with various regulations. Additionally, taxation rules for limited companies are more rigid compared to sole traders, and the company's financial accounts are open to public inspection, reducing financial privacy.

As you explore which business structure aligns with your goals and vision, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each is essential. In the full list that follows, we'll delve into the specific pros and cons for both sole trader and limited company, empowering you to make an informed decision that best suits your business aspirations and risk tolerance.

Read on to uncover the full range of considerations for each business structure. There’s also a list of questions you can download and ask yourself to help you decide which is the right structure for you.

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If there’s one area that fills all of us therapists in private practice with doubt, it’s setting our hourly rate with confidence! It’s a challenging task because money always carries a lot of mindset baggage.

Setting our hourly rate confidently involves considering various factors, such as our business's running costs, personal and business financial go…

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As therapists in private practice, we have a profound responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our clients. Part of fulfilling this responsibility involves understanding the role of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. In this post, we will explore the importance of DBS checks, how they relate to our work, and why they cont…

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Getting started in private practice is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling. Since making the decision and taking the leap, I’ve never looked back.

However, I did experience a lot of uncertainty at the beginning. Will I be able to build up a caseload? How will I manage risk? What if I can’t earn enough money? What if referrals stop? What if I feel isolated? The ‘what ifs’ can feel endless, but they do subside over time.

Ultimately, working in private practice has enabled me to help people on my own terms, work creatively, receive high-quality supervision and complete the training I’m passionate about. It’s also allowed me to structure my business hours and holidays in a way that works for my family and lifestyle. To read through posts on Setting up in Private Practice, click here. Getting Started

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The benefits of running your own private therapy practice include

1. Independence: You have the freedom to set your own schedule and determine your fees. Control over your work environment: You create a space reflecting your values and therapeutic approach.

2. Increased income potential: As a private practitioner, you can earn more than you would as an employee in a clinic or hospital setting.

3. Greater flexibility: You can specialise in specific therapy areas, work with specific populations, or offer unique services that align with your interests and expertise.

4. Personal satisfaction: Starting your own business can be incredibly rewarding, as you are able to help people in a way that aligns with your values and passions.

5. Career development: Running your private therapy practice can help you develop leadership, business, and management skills that can be valuable in any career.

6. Opportunity for growth: As a private practitioner, you have the potential to grow your client base, expand your services, and increase your income over time.

The Business of Running a Business

Having worked in the NHS for several years, I knew how to provide therapy, but I had little experience of running or marketing a business. I soon realised getting a handle on these things had to be a priority.

If you’re going to be successful in private practice, it’s essential to focus on developing a resilient caseload. This means having a regular stream of referrals and an excellent financial buffer, so the first step is to set the right fee - Check out the Therapists Fee Calculator.

Just being a great therapist won’t bring clients to your door until you’ve been established for a while and begun to benefit from word-of-mouth recommendations.

Until then, you must make your business visible so people can find you and book appointments.

• Will you have a website? (Check out pocketsite.co.uk)

• Will you work with referral agencies?

• Will you use social media as a marketing tool?

• Will you work with insurance companies or EAPs?

• You could be an associate for a company.

• Will you invest in paid advertising or focus on social media?

There are so many options it’s difficult to know where to start. If I could return and do it all again, I would start with a business plan. A business plan provides a clear direction for your private practice. It gives clarity, reduces risk and uncertainty, and helps you feel more confident.  Having a clear, concise plan from the start saves time and energy and will prevent some common mistakes, saving you time, energy and stress in the long term.

A good business plan tells you what you need to do and how to do it. It’s a working, living document. Reviewing it regularly will ensure the running of your business doesn’t consume your time or overwhelm you.

When your business runs smoothly, you can focus on the therapy you provide and maintain the delivery of high-quality CBT. Working in this way also maintains the reputation of CBT as a standard gold treatment, securing your future and ensuring you can continue doing what you love and have trained so hard to deliver. If you want to know more, check out The Business Plan for Therapists.

If You Build It, They Will Come

No matter how you decide to market your private practice, getting started requires patience and consistency. Following the launch of my website, it took three months to generate my first enquiries and another year to reach a consistent referral rate at the level I wanted.

Initially, I also worked with referral agencies and insurance companies. This was useful at the time because they found the referrals for you, but my goal was always to work with self-funding clients as much as possible.

Why? Well, referral agencies can close, reduce their rates or suddenly choose to work with other therapists whenever they want. This means your referral stream is not guaranteed or within your control. It’s a bit like people who build and market their businesses using a Facebook page. If and when the algorithm changes, they have no say in the visibility of their own business.

In short, you can’t rely on other platforms to stay the same, so you must build your own.  Developing an effective website with good SEO is essential. Read SEO for Therapists for more advice and a free local SEO guide link.

Other Things to Think About

* Where will you work from?

* What hours will you work?

* How much will you charge?

* What are the data protection requirements?

Subscribers can download your Getting Started in Private Practice Checklist.

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